With CuriosityStream, Discovery Channel founder seeks online success

Los Angeles Times ^ | May 10, 2016 | Paresh Dave

[beaversmom]

With CuriosityStream, Discovery Channel founder seeks online success

Paresh Dave
Contact Reporter

The founder of the Discovery Channel, an early cable-TV hit, is turning to online streaming with a new subscription service called CuriosityStream.

John Hendricks started Discovery Channel in 1982, after watching HBO succeed in the 1970s. He made a fortune and left as chairman of parent company Discovery Communications last spring to pursue his new venture.

On Wednesday, CuriosityStream launched with about 600 series, feature-length documentaries and 20-minute-or-shorter clips on science, technology and history.  Access costs $2.99 a month for standard-definition picture quality and $5.99 a month for high definition. The first month is free.

CuriosityStream is expected to feature a mix of content acquired from BBC, NHK and other producers as well as original programming. Aimed at the “curious” population, the programming should be understandable, Hendricks says, to everyone from 13-year-olds who enjoy building soda-bottle rockets to retirees looking for deep commentary on the latest scientific breakthroughs.

Because the cost of producing “factual content” is about one-fourth to one-sixth that of “dramatic content,” the service won’t need to show ads, Hendricks said. He expects about 400 titles to be added this year, including a signature original production called “Big Picture Earth.”

How John Hendricks Is Helping Shape the Future of a More Intelligent World of Television

[Mozilla]

Interesting.

[Buckeye McFrog]

Pictures of Kari Byron in interesting clothing.
THAT’S how you achieve online success!

[beaversmom]

Whachoo talkin' 'bout Willis?"

[Nacho Bidnith]

You can sign up for a 60 day free trial if you use the promotion code “twit” (Leo LaPorte’s “this week in tech”) online network.